Slot Machine Game With Additional Features

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus to implement special features on slot machine games. For example, a wild (or other symbols) symbol can be purchased by the player before the reels are spun, so that the player is guaranteed to receive a wild symbol. The wild symbol can be positioned by the player or alternatively can be positioned randomly by the game. The price for additional symbol(s) may vary depending on which symbols have already been purchased.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims benefit of provisional application 60/865,185,which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Thisapplication also claims benefit of application 60/804,152, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This Application is also related to the following applicationsidentified by their application Ser. No.: 11/035,691 (“Slot Machine Gamethat Allows Player to Purchase Reel Respins”); Ser. No. 11/326,125(“Slot Machine Bonus Game); Ser. No. 11/337,960 (“Slot Machine withSkill Aspect”); Ser. No. 11/558,405 (“System and Method for AllowingPiggyback Wagering”); Ser. No. 11/609,315 (“System and Method forAllowing Piggyback Wagering”); Ser. No. 11/459,253 (“Slot Machine BonusGame”); Ser. No. 11/558,564 (“System and Method for Administering aProgressive Jackpot Limited to a Bonus Round”). All seven of theseapplications are incorporated by reference herein in their entiretiesfor all purposes. Any and all features of any of these applications canbe combined with each other and with any feature(s) described herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present inventive concept relates to a system, method, and computerreadable storage, for providing additional features to slot machinegames.

2. Description of the Related Art

Slot machine games are a billion dollar industry. The current three orfive reel machines have been around for a long time and some players mayfind current game play monotonous.

What is needed are additional slot machine features which will generatemore excitement for players and/or more revenue as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present general inventive concept to provideadditional features to slot machine games.

The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that includes (a)positioning a symbol in a position on a slot grid; (b) placing a wagerand spinning reels on the slot machine after the positioning; and payingan award to the player based on the wager and a final combination of thereels, wherein the symbol remains positioned in the position during thespinning.

The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that includes (a)placing a wager; (b) spinning reels on a slot machine to form a resulton a slot grid on the slot machine; (c) positioning a symbol in aposition on the slot grid, after the spinning; and (d) paying an awardto the player based on the wager and the result modified by the symbolbeing in the position.

The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that includes (a) Amethod to play a slot machine, the method comprising: (b) receiving afirst wager; (c) allowing a player to position a first indicator and asecond indicator on an output device; (c) spinning reels on the slotmachine to a resulting reel combination and awarding a first payoutbased on the first wager and the resulting reel combination; (d)determining if a first symbol behind the first indicator and a secondsymbol behind the second indicator form a predetermined winningcombination, and if so, then awarding a second payout based on thepredetermined winning combination.

The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that includes (a)selecting a first preferred payline out of at least two paylines; (b)receiving a wager; (c) spinning reels on the slot game to a resultingcombination and awarding a payout based on the wager on the resultingcombination for all of the at least two paylines; and (d) multiplyingany award on the first preferred payline by a first multiplier.

The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that includes (a)receiving a first wager; (b) selecting a first set of two or morehorizontally adjacent symbol positions, a number of the horizontallyadjacent symbol positions in the first set being less than a number ofreels on the slot game; (c) spinning reels on the slot game to a finalreel combination; (d) awarding a first payout based on the final reelcombination; and (e) awarding a second payout based on a horizontalcombination of symbols inside the first set of two or more horizontallyadjacent symbol positions.

The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that includes (a)allowing a player to select a custom symbol image to be displayed whichrepresents a particular symbol; (b) spinning reels on the slot game to afinal reel combination; and (c) displaying the custom symbol image onthe reels whenever the custom symbol image appears.

These together with other aspects and advantages which will besubsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as thestructure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention,will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an output of a slot machine game,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of awardingadditional payouts, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method to selectmultiplied paylines, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating nine different possible 3 symbolwindows, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of awardingadditional window payouts, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary game result with an active window;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary game output with a wild symbol forpurchase with an associated price;

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary game output of slot reels after the wildsymbol has been positioned but before the reels are spun with the wildsymbol in position;

FIG. 9 shows a sample game result after the wild symbol has beenpositioned and the reels then spun;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method allowing a playerto purchase symbols, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of implementingcustom symbols, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11B shows a sample game result using a custom symbol, according toan embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating hardware that can be used toimplement an electronic gaming machine, according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout.

Embodiments of the invention relate to slot machine games, wheretypically a player places a wager, presses a button to spin the reels,the reels each stop at a random position, payouts are determined bycomparing all paylines played to a predetermined set of winningcombinations, and then the determined payouts, if any, are awarded tothe player based on the wager. Additional features can augment theexcitement of a player and may also result in increased action for thecasino.

In a first embodiment, a player can move around two separate selectorswhich can cover any possible position on reels of a slot game. Forexample a 5×3 slot game has 15 possible positions for symbols to belocated after the reels stop spinning. The player can move and placeeach selector on any two out of these 15 possible positions on the slotgame output. After the slot game is played, if two predetermined symbolsare “under” the selectors (selected), then the player can win anadditional award.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an output of a slot machine game,according to an embodiment.

A player can move around a first selector 100 (or selector A) and asecond selector 102 (or selector B). The selectors are movable and canappear in any shape (triangle, circle {as illustrated}, star, etc.) Theplayer can move around the selectors by dragging each one to a desiredlocation using a touch screen or other input device (e.g., mouse,buttons, etc.) The player can move the selectors around to whicheverposition he or she wishes, although the symbols displayed on the slotoutput while the selectors are being positioned typically do not haveany significance. In FIG. 1, selector A 100 is placed over a “8 ball”symbol, while selector B 102 is placed over a “bell” symbol. When theslot reels are spun, the selectors stay in their same position, and whenthe reels come to a stop, each selector will have a reel symbol behind(or “under”) it. In essence, the player is selecting two randompositions on the slot grid which he or she thinks will result in twopredetermined symbols which can generate an additional award.

For example, if there is a male symbol and a female symbol available onthe slot game, and the player moves the selectors to two respectivelocations, spins the reels, and the male symbol is behind one selectorand the female symbol is behind the second selector, then the playerwins an additional award. The player need not continue to position theselectors after each spin, as the selectors can remain in their lastposition unless the player decides to move them.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of awardingadditional payouts, according to an embodiment.

The method can start with operation 200, wherein a player positionsselector A and selector B. This can be done as described herein, forexample, using a touch screen to move the selectors to the positionsdesired by the player. Typically, the player will not know where toplace them and the player will just rely on his or her “hunches.”

From operation 200, the method can proceed to operation 202, wherein theplayer plays the slot game. This can be done as known in the art. Forexample, the machine can accept a wager, allow the player to press abutton and spin the reels, display a result of the reel spin, and awardthe player any respective award(s) based on a result of the spinning,comparing the symbols falling in active paytables to a paytable todetermine award(s).

From operation 202, the method can proceed to operation 204, whichdetermines which symbol is behind (or associated with) selector A andwhich symbol is behind (or associated with) selector B. This can be doneby, when the player has positioned the selectors, a number can then beassociated with each selector corresponding to which reel position (outof 15 in this example) each selector is associated with. When the reelsstop spinning, the symbols in each of these positions can then beidentified. Typically, the player will not be allowed to position bothselectors on the same position (e.g., the two selectors much coverdifferent symbol positions). Symbol A can be considered the symbolbehind selector A, and symbol B can be considered to be the symbolbehind selector B.

From operation 204, the method can proceed to operation 206, whichdetermines whether symbol A and symbol B form a predetermined winningcombination. A paytable of symbols can be used to make thisdetermination. For example, Table I illustrates one exemplary paytableof symbol pairs and their respective awards.

TABLE I symbol A symbol B award bell seven $5 seven bell $5 male female$100 female male $100

Typically, it should not matter which selector (A or B) appears overwhich symbol. In other words, the result should be the same if a malesymbol appears behind selector A and a female symbol appears behindselector B, as opposed to a male symbol appearing behind selector B anda female symbol appearing behind selector A.

In FIG. 2, the selectors cover an “8 ball” symbol and a “bell” symbol.If table I were to be used, (assuming the selectors were placed and thenthis result was generated) this would not be a winning combination. Butif the selector covered a “7” symbol instead of the “8 ball” symbol,then the player would have won an additional $5.

If the slot game uses vertical reels, then the game may prevent theplayer from placing both selectors in a same vertical column. This isbecause due to the way the symbols on a reel are mapped, some symbolsmay never (or always) appear in the same column as other symbols. If theslot game uses independently spinning symbols (each of the 15 appearingsymbols spins on its own reel), then this restriction may not benecessary since there is no correlation between vertical symbols.

The player may be required to pay extra (e.g., an additional coin orcoins) for the ability to position the selectors and win additionalawards. This can be paid during operation 202, when the wager iscollected, or at another time. Alternatively, the ability to positionthe selectors and win additional awards can be provided to the playersfor free (of course the overall payout of the main game may have to bereduced in order to pay for the free additional awards). Alternatively,if the player spins the reels and receives a special combination, thismay trigger a bonus which then allows the player to position theselectors and win additional awards. The bonus may last for a fixedamount of spins (e.g., 1 to 10 or more).

In a further embodiment of the inventive concept, a player can selectone or more lines (or paylines) as “preferred” lines, which can offerthe player a special incentive or bonus. A payline is a group of symbols(typically one for each reel on a machine) that is used to form arespective combination, and if the respective combination forms awinning payout then an award is earned. Machines have anywhere from 1 to60 paylines or more.

A player can pick a particular line which will result in an increasedaward. For example, if the player plays 15 lines, the player can selecta particular line out of the 15 that the player thinks will have thebiggest payout. The selected line can then pay double whatever payoutthat line would have earned. This can be considered the “goldenpayline.”

The player can select the “golden payline” in any manner, such astouching a button on the slot machine, or pressing a virtual button on atouchscreen output device, etc. The player can either pay extra for theprivilege to select the golden payline, or the player can select thegolden payline for free (the additional award for the golden payline canbe factored into the game itself), or the player can earn the ability toselect the golden payline for a limited number of spins (e.g., 3 playsof the game, each play either a free bonus for the player or paid for bythe player) by hitting a predetermined combination on the slot machine.

For example, consider a game with a total of 9 possible paylines. Theplayer plays $1 each payline or $9 total. In an embodiment, the playercan select one payline out of the nine which will pay double (or anymultiple) for free. In another embodiment, the player can select onepayline out of the nine which will pay double (or any multiple) uponpaying a fee. The player can pay an additional $1 in order for theselected payline to pay double, although in essence this is justallowing the player to bet separate amounts on each payline. In anembodiment, the player can pay an extra $0.50 and have a particularpayline pay double as an incentive.

In a further embodiment, the player can select additional paylines whichcan also have their respective awards multiplied at different amounts.For example, a player can be offered an opportunity to select: a goldenpayline (which will multiply any respective award 5 times) a silverpayline (which will multiply any respective award 3 times), and a bronzepayline (which will multiply any respective award 2 times). The playercan either pay extra for the privilege to select these three paylines,or the player can select these three paylines for free, or the playercan earn the ability to select these three paylines for a limited numberof spins by hitting a predetermined combination on the slot machine.

An example will now be presented. A player plays a slot machine with 9lines ($1 each line), and selects the 5× line (“the golden line”) to beline 1, the 3× line (“the silver line”) to be line 4, and the 2× line(the “bronze line”) to line 9. The player then places the wager andachieves the results illustrated in Table II. The first column is theline (or payline) number and the second column is the award amount.

TABLE II Line# award 1 0 2 0 3 $2 4 $5 5 0 6 0 7 $10 8 0 9 $1

If there was no option to select paylines which can multiply theirrespective award, then the player would win a total of $18. Since theplayer selected line 1 to be multiplied 5×, this results in a $0 gain.The player selected line 4 to be multiplied 3×, which is $15 or anadditional $10 from the original $18. The player selected line 9 to bemultiplied 2×, which is $2 or an additional $1 from the original $18.Thus, with the additional gains from the multiplied selected lines, theplayer is paid a total of $29 on this spin (this does not consider howmuch the player bet initially).

Typically, paylines all have equal expected values and thus the playerwould just play his or her “hunches” to pick which paylines they thinkwill have the greatest award.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method to selectmultiplied paylines, according to an embodiment.

The method can start with operation 300, wherein the player selects apreferred line (or lines). This can be done by the player touching anindicator on an output device representing a line, or pressing buttonson the slot machine, or any other method.

From operation 300, the method can proceed to operation 302, whichreceives a wager from the player. In an embodiment, the player can payextra in order to be allowed to receive the multiplied paylines (asselected in operation 300), or the multiplied paylines can be offered tothe player as a free incentive. Alternatively, the multiplied paylinesmay only be offered to the player when the player has earned them (e.g.,by hitting a predetermined combination on the slot machine whichtriggers the multiplied paylines as a bonus). The reels are spunrandomly and stop in a random position.

From operation 302, the method can proceed to operation 304, which paysthe appropriate payout to the player which includes any extra amount dueto multiplied awards on paylines selected in operation 300.

When a player has selected the multiplied paylines (in operation 302),they can remain the same for each new spin on the slot machine until theplayer decides to change them.

In a further embodiment regarding preferred paylines, a player can wagermore on certain paylines which will in turn result in an increasedaward. For example, payouts on particular lines are multiplied by theamount bet on each line, but no line receives a higher multiplier thananother line (in contrast to the prior embodiment where one line may geta multiplier or a higher multiplier than other lines).

For example, a player can bet two coins an all lines (e.g., 9 lines),and select a golden line in order to bet four coins. Now, any payout onthe golden line will pay double what the other lines pay. In otherwords, the golden line pays 4× the standard payout for one coin, and theother lines pay 2×. The player can indicate other paylines as well toincrease his or her bet on.

In a further embodiment, in addition to the standard paylines on amachine, “windows” can be activated. A window is a group of adjacentsymbols (2 or more) in either a horizontal or possibly a vertical (ifthe symbols on the game spin on their own reel) line. A special paytablecan be used for the symbols in the window. Thus, in addition to earningthe standard payouts during normal play of a slot game, a player canalso earn an additional bonus amount by getting predeterminedcombinations in the window(s). In one embodiment, the player must payextra in order to be allowed to earn awards in a window. In anotherembodiment, the window can be offered to the player for free, or theplayer can earn the ability to activate one or more windows for alimited number of plays (e.g., 3 plays (spins), either awarded for freeto the player as a bonus or the player pays for each play) by hitting apredetermined combination on the slot machine.

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating nine different possible 3 symbolwindows, according to an embodiment.

A first window configuration 401, a second window configuration 402, athird window configuration 403, a fourth window configuration 404, afifth window configuration 405, a sixth window configuration 406, aseventh window configuration 407, an eighth window configuration 408,and a ninth window configuration 409 are all shown. A current windowconfiguration which will be applied to a next spin of the slot reels canbe selected by the player or chosen at random.

If three predetermined symbols fall inside an active window, then theplayer wins a payout based on the predetermined symbols using apaytable. In one embodiment, only one window can be active during aspin. In another embodiment, more than one window can be active. In thelatter embodiment, a player may be required to pay extra for each activewindow the player wishes to employ.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of awardingadditional window payouts, according to an embodiment.

The method can start with operation 500, which determines windowlocation. The player can indicate where he or she wishes the window tobe located, for example by touching a desired location on the reelsitself, or by entering a number (or pressing a button) corresponding tothe desired window. Alternatively, the window location can be chosen atrandom.

From operation 500, the method proceeds to operation 502, which receivesa wager and spins the reels. The active window(s) can be highlighted onthe reels so that the player can see where the active window(s) are.

From operation 502, the method proceeds to operation 504, which pays anappropriate payout for the wager according to a final result of thereels using the game's standard paylines. The symbols inside any activewindow(s) are also identified and any winning combinations are also paidto the player according to a paytable. For example, three like symbolscan pay an award, and/or a paytable can be used. For example, Table IIIbelow illustrates one exemplary window paytable (e.g., for each $1 beton the window). Thus, for example, if the player bets $2 on a window,and the horizontally adjacent symbols that fall inside the set ofhorizontally adjacent symbol positions (a window) is 7-7-7, then theplayer would win $200 for the window.

TABLE III Combination payout 7—7—7 $100 cherry—cherry-7 $50 bell—bell-7$10 all others $0

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary game result with an active window. Theactive window 600 is shown as a negative image. The Player has bet $3($1 per line, playing 3 horizontal lines), and the result is that theplayer wins nothing on the main game (although of course if the playergot a winning combination on the main game the player would be paidaccording to the main game's paytable). The main game's paytablereflects five symbols in a line (e.g., five “present symbols” win $1000,etc.) while the window paytable reflects three symbols (or however manysymbols there are in the window). The active window 600 contains thesymbols: wild/bell/7, which according to the paytable in Table III pays10 (the wild substitutes for any symbol such as the bell in this case).Thus, in this example, the player has bet $3 and won $10 (for a netprofit of $7). In this case the active window 600 was provided free ofcharge to the player, although in another embodiment the player can berequired to pay extra (e.g., $1) to activate a window (and canoptionally be charged an additional $1 for each additional window theplayer wishes to activate).

Typically, a number of horizontal positions in the window should be lessthan the number of reels of the game. For example, if a game is afive-reeled slot game, the window size should then be from two to four.Although, in an alternate embodiment, the window size can still be five.Vertical windows can be used as well as horizontal windows, but in orderto use a vertical window, typically each symbol in a column should spinindependently on its own reel.

In a further embodiment, a slot machine can allow a player to purchasesymbols, such as a wild. For example, the player can purchase a wildsymbol (for a displayed amount), and then the wild symbol can appear ona random reel stop on the displayed reels or it can be positioned by theuser before (or after) the reels are spun.

For example, the player can indicate he wishes to bet $1 on all lines(in this example let's say there are 3 lines). The player can then spinthe machine as normal (e.g., by pressing a spin button (not pictured)and receive a payout based on the resultant combination or alternativelythe player may wish to purchase a wild symbol before spinning the reels.The player can do this by touching a displayed wild symbol (which shouldalso typically display the price).

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary game output with a wild symbol forpurchase with an associated price.

A wild symbol 700 can be purchased for a displayed priced (e.g., $10) bythe player. If the player does not wish to purchase the wild symbol,then the player can continue to play the slot game normally.

The player can now touch the wild symbol and is then charged the priceof $10. The player can now position this wild symbol anywhere he wishesto place it on the grid positions (there are 15 of them here). In thisexample, there are three lines (1,2,3) a top horizontal, a middlehorizontal, and a bottom horizontal, although of course any number oflines and/or reels can be used. The player in this example decides toput the wild symbol on the center reel (e.g., by touching the centerreel). See the below figure. Now the player is guaranteed to get a wildsymbol in the position that the player has put the symbol in, as thewild symbol remains stationary (locked) into place while the reels willspin (when the player spins the reels). This can be accomplished, forexample, by spinning the reels as normally but the purchased wild symbolwill effectively cover whatever symbol would be “under” the wild symbolhad this wild symbol not been purchased. In an alternate embodiment, theplayer can place the wild symbol after the reels have already been spun(as opposed to placing it before the reels have been spun). In analternative embodiment, the wild symbol can appear on a random positionon the grid (as opposed to allowing the player to position it), and thiscan apply to the embodiment where the wild is positioned before thespinning of the reels or after. In other words, the purchased wildsymbol can appear on a random position and then the reels are spun, orthe reels can be spun first and then the purchased wild symbol can thenappear on a random position. If the displayed symbols already show otherwild symbols, this is permitted as the purchased wild is just anadditional wild symbol which will allow the player greater excitement.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary game output of slot reels after the wildsymbol has been positioned but before the reels are spun with the wildsymbol in position.

After the wild symbol has been positioned, the reels can now be spun anda $3 bet placed ($1 for each of three lines, the player now has a $987balance). See the below figure. The player has not achieved a winningcombination on any of the three lines even with the wild symbol (assume5 identical symbols are needed to win a payout).

FIG. 9 shows a sample game result after the wild symbol has beenpositioned and the reels then spun. Now the game is over, any awardsbased on the outcome of the game are paid (from an initial wager, suchas the initial wager placed in operation 1000), and the player can tryagain.

In addition to buying wild symbols, the player can buy other symbols aswell, such as scatter symbols (these symbols are known in the art andpay if a predetermined number of these symbols appear regardless ofpaylines), and any other symbol available on any of the reels.

Further, instead of being limited to just buying a single type of symbol(e.g., the wild symbol), in a further embodiment the player may be ableto choose from a plurality of symbols to purchase and their respectiveprices. For example, the player could be presented with a menu, such asillustrated below in Table IV.

TABLE IV Wild symbol $25 Scatter symbol $50 Bell $10 8 $5 7 $2

Before the prices are displayed, the player may have to commit tobetting max bet or may be required to indicate which paylines he wishesto play and how much he wishes to bet, so that the proper cost for eachsymbol can be displayed. A plurality of tables can be stored in a ROM onthe slot machine (or downloaded) which designate the symbol prices foreach situation (paylines played, amount bet, etc.) Thus, for example, ifa player is betting $2 on all lines, the cost of a wild symbol may betwice what the cost would be if the player was betting $1 on all lines.The player may be required to place his wager first (and also indicatingthe paylines), then press a button, and then the player can decidewhether to buy a symbol (and the appropriate prices will be displayed),and then the reels can be spun by the player.

In addition to buying just one symbol, a player can continuously buy andplace symbols on the grid before spinning (or buy them and place themafter spinning or buy them and allow the slot machine to place themrandomly (either before spinning or after spinning)). After each symbolis purchased, the price for each symbol can change to reflect thechanged circumstances. For example, if the player purchases a wild for$10, the cost for buying a second wild may have gone up to $100. If theplayer is allowed to position the wild symbols himself, then the costfor a wild may typically be higher than if the player is not allowed toposition the wild symbols himself but the position is chosen at random.This is because if the player can position the wild himself, the playerwill of course try to align the wild symbols to win the jackpot (5wilds). The player may be given a limit of a number of symbols he canselect and buy before he must spin the reels (e.g., 10).

In the embodiment wherein the player can purchase symbols but place themafter the reels have already spun, this can involve skill as the playershould position the symbol(s) in order to maximize the player's award.For example, if the player purchases a wild symbol, then spins thereels, and then is allowed to place the wild symbol over another symbolafter the reels have stopped spinning, the player should employ skill inorder to put the wild symbol in the position that will maximize theplayer's award.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method allowing a playerto purchase symbols, according to an embodiment.

The method can start with operation 1000, which receives an initialwager by a player. This can be done as known in the art. In addition,“receiving an initial wager” also includes the player indicating his orher intent to place a wager (e.g., indicate that the player wants to betthree coins, however the wager may not be considered technically placeduntil the reels actually spin). As known in the art, the player can alsoindicate which lines the player wishes to bet on. The initial wager canbe considered to incorporate all of the bets on all of the lines.

From operation 1000, the method can proceed to operation 1002, whichoffers symbols for purchase at respective prices. Either one type ofsymbol (e.g., a wild) can be offered, or multiple types of symbols(e.g., wild, seven, etc.) can be offered at same or different prices(e.g., wild—$100, seven—$20, etc.) Typically, the greater value to theplayer of the symbol, the higher the price would be.

From operation 1002, the method can proceed to operation 1004, whereinthe player decides whether he or she wishes to purchase a symbol or not.If the player does not wish to purchase a symbol, the player can, forexample, just hit a ‘spin’ button, which proceeds to operation 1010,which spins the reels for the initial wager placed and awards any awardsfor reel combinations after the reels have stopped spinning.

If in operation 1004 the player does wish to purchase a symbol, then themethod can proceed to operation 1006, wherein the player picks a symbolhe or she wishes to purchase (if there are more than one symbol typeavailable), and pays the purchase price. It is noted that the pricemight not technically be “paid” until the reels are spun, thus a playermay be allowed to experiment with purchasing symbols without beingrequired to pay for them until the reels are actually spun (although inanother embodiment, the player would be charged immediately before thereels are spun).

After the symbol is purchased, in an embodiment, the purchased symbolcan be positioned by the player on one of the positions on the grid(e.g., FIG. 7 shows 15 possible positions for the purchased symbol in a5×3 reel slot game). In another embodiment, the purchased reel can bepositioned on the grid randomly. The positioning (either of the priortwo embodiments in this paragraph) can be done before the reels arespun, or after the spinning.

In an embodiment, the player may be allowed to only purchase one symbol.In this embodiment, the method then can proceed to operation 1010, whichspins the reels and awards any award(s) based on the first wager.

In another embodiment, the player may be allowed to purchase more thanone symbol. If so, then prices of additional symbols may change (or theymay not). If they prices do not change, then the method can return tooperation 1004, wherein the player can decide whether to purchaseanother symbol or not.

If prices of symbols change after the previous symbol was purchased,then the method can proceed to operation 1008, which updates a price forsymbol(s) available for purchase. For example, a first wild symbol maycost $10, while a second wild symbol may cost $40, and a third wildsymbol may cost $100. Of course, if the game awards the player a jackpotfor achieving five wilds, then the cost for the five wilds would have toat least be equal (or preferably greater) than the amount of the jackpotaward.

The method can return to operation 1004, wherein the player can view theupdated price list for symbol(s) and decide whether to purchase anotheror spin the reels.

In a further embodiment, a symbol or symbol combination can exist thatawards the player a free wild on the next spin. For example, if a “freewild on next spin” symbol appears when the player spins the reels (or apredetermined combination appears on an active payline) the player winsa free wild symbol for the next spin. This can be used as described inany of the embodiments herein. For example, the free wild symbol canappear on a random position or the player can be allowed to position it,and the symbol serves as a wild symbol.

A promotion can also be offered to a player wherein the player receivesa voucher in the mail (or other delivery method) which allows the playera free wild (or other symbol). The player can insert the voucher into aticket receiving apparatus associated with the machine in order toredeem the free wild symbol (which then invokes special software toaccommodate the free wild), or the player may be presented with the freewild symbol automatically upon insertion of the player's comp card intoa machine.

In a further embodiment, a player can choose a customized symbol (suchas a wild or any other symbol). The player can, for example, choose hislucky numbers or name and input this into the slot machine, upon whichthe numbers or name will appear on a particular type of symbol. Forexample, a player can enter his name (“Joe”) upon which all wild symbols(or any other symbol) will have “Joe” on it. Alternatively, the slotmachine may automatically retrieve a player's first name from the compcard he is using, and this name can automatically appear on a symbol.This can be done by generating a customized bitmap image of the symbolwith the user's name added onto it, and this bitmap image can then bepointed to in the slot machine software as a replacement bitmap for theoriginal symbol. Alternatively, instead of allowing the player to selecthis lucky numbers or name, the player can select a lucky charm thatwould appear in the symbol. For example, the player can select a rabbitsfoot, four leaf clover, etc., (the player can select this by pressingicons with these lucky charms), upon which a particular symbol (e.g.,the “7”) symbol will now have this lucky charm on it.

In a further embodiment, the player can design their own symbol. Forexample, they can be presented with a “paint” type program on the slotmachine upon which the player can draw their own symbol. This symbol canbe stored in the player's slot club account so if the player plays at alater time his custom symbol can still be used. The player can create asymbol at home and email it (a jpg image or other format) to a specialemail account (for example 12345@abccasinoslotclub.com), wherein 12345is the player's player account number. Upon receiving this email, thesystem can then use this image file to replace a particular symbol.

FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of implementingcustom symbols, according to an embodiment.

The method can start with operation 1100, which determines a customsymbol image. This can be done using any of the methods describedherein. The custom symbol can be assigned a symbol number.

From operation 1100, the method can proceed to operation 1102, whichinitiates a spin of the reels on the slot machine. This can be done asknown in the art, such as receiving a wager, receiving a button press bythe player, etc.

From operation 1102, the method can proceed to operation 1104, whichuses the custom symbol image on the reels. The reel map can comprise alist of symbol numbers, each symbol number representing a particularsymbol which is then displayed. The reel can be initially mapped with asymbol number for a custom symbol. Alternatively, a standard reelmapping can be used with a particular symbol number displaying thecustom symbol instead of whatever other symbol the particular symbolnumber would display. In any case, when the custom symbol is to bedisplayed, the custom bitmap (or other way that the image is stored) canbe retrieved and displayed.

FIG. 11B shows a sample game result using a custom symbol, according toan embodiment.

This shows the same result as illustrated in FIG. 9, but the “present”symbol has been replaced with a custom symbol “Bill” (which can be theplayer's name). Aside from the custom symbol appearance, the slot gameplays the same as described herein and known in the art.

It is noted that any of the features described herein can be offered tothe player in exchange for an additional (or increased) wager by theplayer. Alternatively, any of the features described herein can beoffered to the player as a bonus (with no additional money paid by theplayer) as a result of a slot machine resulting in a predeterminedcombination which can trigger the feature. For example, if the playerreceives five (or any number) of blank (or any other) symbols, theplayer can then be allowed on the next spin (or next 5 spins, etc.) toreceive any of the features herein, such as being allowed to positionthe two indicators as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, allof the features described herein can also always be offered to theplayer as part of the game itself with no additional coinage or triggerneeded.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating hardware that can be used toimplement an electronic gaming machine, according to an embodiment.

A processing unit 1200 is used to perform the methods herein usingdigital computer technology well known in the art. The processing unit1200 can be connected to an output 1202 unit, which displays the outputsdescribed herein and can be an LCD, touch screen display, CRT, etc. Theprocessing unit 1220 can also be connected to an input unit 1204, whichcan include buttons, a touch screen used to receive player selections,etc. The processing unit 1200 can also be connected to a network unit1206, which can connect the electronic gaming machine (or slot machine)to a network host by a casino the slot machine is located in, which canbe used to transmit player data, authenticate payouts, etc. Theprocessing unit 1200 can also be connected to a ROM 1208 which can alsobe a CD-ROM, DVD, EPROM, or any type of storage which can be used tostore data and assets needed by the processing unit to perform themethods described herein. The processing unit 1200 can also be connectedto a RAM 1210 which is used to implement a computer program used todrive the electronic gaming machine to perform the methods describedherein. The processing unit 1212 can be connected to other unit 1212,which can be any further component(s) known in the art which can be usedwith the electronic gaming device. For example, the other unit 1212 canbe a payment unit, which can accept payment from the player (e.g., viacash), and can pay the player (e.g., via coins) when the player wins anaward. Coins can be paid directly to the player or a number of coins inan award can be added to the player's current credit meter for latercashout.

Further, the order of any of the operations described herein can beperformed in any order and wagers can be placed/resolved in any order.Any operation described herein can also be optional. Any embodimentsherein can also be played in electronic form and programs and/or datafor such can be stored on any type of computer readable storage medium(e.g. CD-ROM, DVD, disk, etc.)

The descriptions provided herein also include any hardware and/orsoftware known in the art and needed to implement the operationsdescribed herein. All components illustrated herein may also optionallycommunicate with any other illustrated or described component.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exactconstruction and operation illustrated and described, and accordinglyall suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

1. A method to play a slot machine, the method comprising: positioning asymbol in a position on a slot grid; placing a wager and spinning reelson the slot machine after the positioning; and paying an award to theplayer based on the wager and a final combination of the reels, whereinthe symbol remains positioned in the position during the spinning. 2.The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the symbol is a wild symbol.3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the position is determinedby a player.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the positionis determined by the slot machine or associated apparatus.
 5. The methodas recited in claim 1, wherein the position is determined randomly bythe slot machine or associated apparatus.
 6. The method as recited inclaim 1, further comprising, before the positioning, performing:offering a player an option to purchase the symbol; purchasing, by theplayer, the symbol.
 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein a priorspin forms a result which is determined to form a predeterminedcombination which triggers the positioning as a bonus.
 8. The method asrecited in claim 7, wherein the positioning is performed as a bonus forlimited number of successive spins.
 9. A method to play a slot machine,the method comprising: placing a wager; spinning reels on a slot machineto form a result on a slot grid on the slot machine; positioning asymbol in a position on the slot grid, after the spinning; and paying anaward to the player based on the wager and the result modified by thesymbol being in the position.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9,wherein the symbol is a wild symbol.
 11. The method as recited in claim9, wherein the position is determined by the player.
 12. The method asrecited in claim 9, wherein the position is determined by the slotmachine or associated apparatus.
 13. The method as recited in claim 9,wherein the position is randomly determined by the slot machine orassociated apparatus.
 14. The method as recited in claim 9, furthercomprising, before the positioning, performing: offering a player anoption to purchase the symbol; purchasing, by the player, the symbol.15. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein a prior spin forms aresult which is determined to form a predetermined combination whichtriggers the positioning as a bonus.
 16. The method as recited in claim9, wherein the positioning is performed as a bonus for limited number ofsuccessive spins.
 17. A method to play a slot machine, the methodcomprising: receiving a first wager; setting a position of a firstindicator and a second indicator on an output device; spinning reels onthe slot machine to a resulting reel combination and awarding a firstpayout based on the first wager and the resulting reel combination;determining if a first symbol behind the first indicator and a secondsymbol behind the second indicator form a predetermined winningcombination, and if so, then awarding a second payout based on thepredetermined winning combination.
 18. The method as recited in claim17, wherein the player places a second wager in exchange for performingthe setting and the determining, and the second payout is based on thesecond wager and the predetermined winning combination.
 19. The methodas recited in claim 17, wherein no additional wager beyond the firstwager is required to perform the setting and the determining and thesecond payout is funded from the first wager.
 20. The method as recitedin claim 17, wherein a prior spin forms a result which is determined toform a predetermined combination which triggers the setting and thedetermining as a bonus.
 21. The method as recited in claim 17, whereinthe position of the first indicator and the second indicator isdetermined by the machine.
 22. The method as recited in claim 17,wherein the position of the first indicator and the second indicator isdetermined randomly by the machine.
 23. The method as recited in claim17, wherein the position of the first indicator and the second indicatoris determined by a player.
 24. A method to play a slot game, the methodcomprising: selecting a first preferred payline out of at least twopaylines; receiving a wager; spinning reels on the slot game to aresulting combination and awarding a payout based on the wager on theresulting combination for all of the at least two paylines; andmultiplying any award on the first preferred payline by a firstmultiplier.
 25. The method as recited in claim 24, wherein the selectingis performed by the player.
 26. The method as recited in claim 24,wherein the selecting is performed by the machine.
 27. The method asrecited in claim 24, wherein the selecting is performed by the machinesuch that the first preferred payline is chosen randomly.
 28. The methodas recited in claim 24, further comprising selecting a second preferredpayline out of the at least two paylines, wherein any award on thesecond preferred payline is multiplied by a second multiplier.
 29. Themethod as recited in claim 28, wherein the first multiplier is higherthan the second multiplier.
 30. The method as recited in claim 24,wherein a prior spin forms a result which is determined to form apredetermined combination which triggers the selecting and themultiplying as a bonus.
 31. The method as recited in claim 24, furthercomprising offering to the player an option to deposit additional moneyin exchange for the selecting and the multiplying, and if the playerchooses not to deposit the additional money, then the multiplyingoperation is not performed.
 32. A method to play a reeled slot game, themethod comprising: receiving a first wager; selecting a first set of twoor more horizontally adjacent symbol positions, a number of thehorizontally adjacent symbol positions in the first set being less thana number of reels on the slot game; spinning reels on the slot game to afinal reel combination; awarding a first payout based on the final reelcombination; and awarding a second payout based on a horizontalcombination of symbols inside the first set of two or more horizontallyadjacent symbol positions.
 33. The method as recited in claim 32,wherein the selecting is performed by the player.
 34. The method asrecited in claim 32, wherein the selecting is performed by the slotmachine.
 35. The method as recited in claim 32, wherein the selecting isperformed by the slot machine and the first set is determined randomly.36. The method as recited in claim 32, further comprising receiving asecond wager before the spinning, and the awarding awards the secondpayout based on the second wager.
 37. The method as recited in claim 32,further comprising, indicating a second set of two or more horizontallyadjacent symbol positions, a number of the horizontally adjacent symbolspositions in the second set being less than the number of reels on theslot game; receiving a third wager before the spinning; and awarding athird payout based on the horizontal combination of symbols inside thesecond set of two or more horizontally adjacent symbol positions and thethird wager.
 38. The method as recited in claim 32, wherein the adjacentsymbol positions are on any active payline.
 39. The method as recited inclaim 32, wherein a prior spin forms a result which is determined toform a predetermined combination which triggers both the selecting andthe awarding a second payout as a bonus.
 40. The method as recited inclaim 39, wherein the selecting and the awarding a second payout bonusare performed for a limited number of spins.
 41. A method to play areeled slot game, the method comprising: allowing a player to select acustom symbol image to be displayed which represents a particularsymbol; spinning reels on the slot game to a final reel combination; anddisplaying the custom symbol image on the reels whenever the customsymbol image appears.